Summerland’s Best Kept Secret & Wine Experience Destination

There’s something truly fascinating about harvest season in the Okanagan’s wine country. As summer fades into fall, vineyard-covered hills come alive with vibrant colour, and orchards are buzzing with activity. What is not so visible is the journey happening behind the scenes — a process that transforms humble grapes into the wine we love. 1. The Countdown to Harvest Despite what you might think, harvest season doesn’t begin with picking. All year long, vintners have carefully tended to their vines: pruning in the winter, managing canopy growth in the spring, and protecting clusters in the summer. The Okanagan valley’s diverse microclimates mean that harvest timing varies widely depending on location and grape variety. Many of the red grapes used in Dirty Laundry’s wine are sourced from arid vineyards in the hotter climate of Osoyoos and Oliver, BC. We work with several growers in the South to source red grapes that need some more heat and sunshine to fully develop. The grapes used in our white wines vary in location. Our Hush White blend, for example, uses grapes from the Yakima Valley in Washington, whereas our Madam’s Gewurtztraminer sources 100% of its grapes from Summerland, BC. Wherever the grapes are grown, typically by late August to early October, winemakers are walking rows daily, tasting berries and checking sugar levels, acidity, and ripeness, testing them in the lab to decide the perfect moment to pick. This is a delicate balance: too early and the wine may lack flavour; too late and the grapes may lose acidity or become overripe.This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about instinct, history, and experience. 2. Picking with Purpose When the grapes hit that sweet spot, it’s time to harvest. Depending on the winery, this might be done by hand (ideal for preserving delicate grape skins and ensuring quality) or by a grape harvester machine for efficiency. At Dirty Laundry, we pick all of our locally grown BC grapes by hand, allowing us to be selective and ensuring only the best fruit makes it to the crush pad. Grapes are typically picked early in the morning (around 6am) to preserve freshness and prevent unwanted fermentation from starting too soon—critical in our valley where daytime temperatures can still be surprisingly warm in early fall. But weather can change quickly here (with frost sometimes just around the corner), so there’s often a race against time. One cold snap can change everything. 3. From Bins to Crush Once picked, the freshly harvested grapes are rushed to the winery’s crush pad where they are received and prepared for fermentation. Grapes arrive from the vineyard and are weighed, then cleaned of leaves, stems, and damaged fruit by hand or machine. Stems are removed, and grapes may be gently crushed to release juice. White varietals like Riesling , Pinot Gris , and Chardonnay are typically pressed immediately to preserve their crisp, clean character. The juice (and skin for red wine) is collected. This is the wine “must”. Red grapes such as Merlot , Cabernet Sauvignon , and Syrah are left to ferment on their skins to extract deep colour, flavour and tannins. Juice or must is pumped or moved to fermentation tanks. This is where the transformation from fruit to wine begins. The crush pad is key to maintaining grape quality and setting the stage for successful winemaking. 4. Fermentation: Where the Magic Happens Fermentation is the heart of winemaking. Natural or added yeasts convert grape sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the style of wine. Winemakers closely monitor temperature, perform cap management for red wine up to twice daily, and taste constantly to guide the process. Cap management is the process of handling the “cap” (made up of grape skins, seeds, and stems that rise to the top of the fermenting must due to carbon dioxide released during fermentation) and ensuring the cap keeps in contact with juice. This helps to retain the red colour of the wine, and ensures full flavour development as the grape skin contributes to complex aromas. Additionally, a dry, undisturbed cap can lead to bacterial growth, so proper cap management is essential. The frequency of cap management depends on grape variety, desired wine style (e.g., bold vs. soft), fermentation temperature, and winemaker preference. 5. Aging and Maturation Once fermentation is complete, wines are pressed (if red), clarified, and moved into tanks or barrels to age. Oak barrels may lend flavours like vanilla, spice, or toast, while stainless steel preserves fresh, fruity notes. During this time—anywhere from a few months to several years—wines soften, integrate, and develop complexity. The aging process differs significantly between red and white wines. Our 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon for example, was aged for 15 months in oak barrels with 75% French and 25% American. In processing we crushed and destemmed the grapes, then left them to cold soak for a day before fermentation was initiated. To make our 2024 WooWoo Gewurtztraminer , half of the fruit was cold-soaked on the skins before being pressed into stainless steel tanks, where it underwent spontaneous fermentation. The other half was crushed, destemmed, and pressed directly into the tank, where it was cold-settled, then racked and inoculated for a cool fermentation to preserve varietal character and aroma. The aging process here is influenced by the valley’s natural elements—cool nights, clean air, and a slower pace that lets the wine develop with balance and finesse. 6. Bottling the Story When the winemaker decides the wine is ready, it’s filtered (if needed), bottled, and sealed. Some wines are released quickly, fresh and vibrant. Others are laid down in cellars to evolve. But each bottle tells the story of that vintage—its weather, its vineyard, and the care that went into it. Was it a hot, dry year producing bold reds? Or a cooler vintage with elegant acidity? 7. From Glass to Experience Finally, that wine finds its way to your table. Whether you're sipping a chilled Hush Rosé on a lakeside patio in Kelowna or cozying up with a glass of Malbec by the fire in Naramata, you’re tasting more than just wine. You’re tasting the result of months (and sometimes years) of craft and care—all sparked by the simple act of harvesting grapes at just the right time. Many Okanagan wineries open their doors during harvest for tastings, events, and tours. If you visit during this special season, you might just catch a glimpse of grapes being crushed or barrels being filled, offering a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking in action. So the next time you raise a glass, take a moment to toast the journey from vine to bottle that made it possible.

If you're a wine lover, chances are you’ve got a few empty bottles sitting around at home. Whether they are left over from a dinner party or are gathering dust in the recycling bin after relaxing evenings at home, instead of tossing them, why not give those bottles a second life? Upcycling wine bottles is not only environmentally friendly, but it also offers a great opportunity to flex your creative muscles. From stylish home décor to practical household items, here are some clever and beautiful ways to repurpose your empty wine bottles. 1. DIY Wine Bottle Vases Transform empty wine bottles into elegant vases. A simple rinse and peel of the label can turn a bottle into a minimalist centerpiece. For a more artistic touch, try painting the bottles with glass paint or black chalk paint, or wrapping them in twine, lace, or washi tape. Arrange single stems or a few fresh flowers for a chic look on your table, mantle, or windowsill.  2. Bottle Lights or Lamps Wine bottles make stunning mood lighting. Use string fairy lights or LED cork lights (which fit snugly into the bottle’s opening) to create a warm glow perfect for evening ambiance. For the more ambitious, you can drill a hole near the base, insert a bulb and socket, and turn it into a tabletop lamp or hanging pendant light. 3. Garden Watering Globes Keep your plants hydrated with homemade watering globes. Fill a clean wine bottle with water, quickly flip it upside down, and insert it into the soil. The water will slowly seep into the soil, keeping your plants moist while you're away. It’s functional and looks great in your garden or planters. Similarly, you can insert LED string lights into wine bottles and insert upside down into the ground to add a magical touch to your backyard. 4. Chic Candle Holders Use wine bottles as candle holders for taper or pillar candles. You can cut the bottles in half for a modern holder or leave them whole for a tall, elegant look. For safety, ensure the candle is secure and always burn in a well-ventilated area, or use battery powered candles. 5. Wall-Mounted Bottle Racks If you’re into woodworking or metalworking, wine bottles can be the star of a rustic wall-mounted rack. Bottles can be cut and used to hold small plants, spices, or other items. This kind of project takes a bit more skill but delivers a unique and functional conversation piece. 6. Outdoor Tiki Torches Add flair to your backyard gatherings with wine bottle tiki torches. With the right wick and some citronella oil, your bottle becomes both decorative and practical—keeping bugs away in style. Use a metal bracket or holder to secure the bottle to a fence or railing. 7. Table Number Holders for Events Hosting a wedding or dinner party? Wine bottles make charming table number holders. Slip printed numbers or signs into the neck of the bottle, or paint directly onto the glass. They add a rustic and elegant touch to any event setting. 8. Self-Watering Herb Planters Cut a wine bottle in half, invert the top half into the bottom (with a wick threaded through), and fill it with soil and herbs. The bottom half holds water, and the wick keeps the plant moist. These self-watering planters are perfect for windowsills and small kitchens. 9. Melted Bottle Cheese Tray This DIY project requires some skill and tools that not everyone has available to them, but if you have access to a kiln to melt the glass (a process called warm glass slumping) these cheese trays make superb talking points at a dinner party, or unique gifts for friends. You can paint the bottle once it has fully cooled down, leave it its original colour, or it can be decorated through etching. 10. Succulent Planter Upcycling a wine bottle into a succulent planter is a stylish and sustainable way to give new life to glass while creating a unique piece of greenery for your home. By carefully cutting the bottle—typically lengthwise or near the base—you can create a shallow, well-drained container ideal for succulents, which require minimal soil and water. Adding a layer of pebbles or activated charcoal at the bottom helps with drainage, ensuring the plants stay healthy. Once filled with cactus soil and your favorite succulents, the planter becomes a striking, low-maintenance display, perfect for windowsills, desks, or tabletops. Tips for Removing Wine Bottles: Soaking Method (Paper Labels) Soak the bottle in warm water with baking soda for 30–60 mins. Peel the label off gently. Use a scraper if needed. Remove any residue with dish soap. Oven Method (Strong Adhesive Labels) Heat the empty bottle at 200°F (95°C) for 5–10 mins. Use oven mitts to remove and peel the label while warm. Hair Dryer Method (Glossy/Synthetic Labels) Heat the label for 1–2 mins with a hair dryer. Peel off slowly from one corner. Final Thoughts Upcycling wine bottles is a creative way to reduce waste and beautify your space. Whether you go for a simple vase or an ambitious chandelier, each project gives new life to something that would otherwise be thrown away. So the next time you finish a bottle of wine, think twice before discarding it—your next DIY masterpiece might be just a cork away!